Myc-associated zinc finger protein (MAZ) is a transcription factor with C2H2-type zinc-finger motifs that can bind GC-rich cis-elements. MAZ activates the transcription of some cancer-related genes and represses that of others, suggesting that changes in MAZ expression may play different roles in the development and progression of different types or subtypes of cancers depending on its target genes. However, the functions and mechanisms of MAZ in regulating the carcinogenesis and progression of breast cancer have remained unclear. In the current study, we show that MAZ performs dual function in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC): suppression of aggressiveness and promotion of proliferation. Forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) is a novel transcription target of MAZ and mediates the functions of MAZ. The MAZ mRNA level, particularly in combination with the FOXF2 mRNA level, may serve as a prognostic marker for BLBC patients. Our results indicate that the dual function of the MAZ-FOXF2 axis reflect the pleiotropic nature of multifunctional transcription factors in regulating the different stages of cancer development and progression, which could lead to the complexity of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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